Everyone enjoys there birthday and kids are definitely no exception. At our birthdays we have many traditions that are fun to stick to and share with friends and families.

When you are planning a kids’ party one of the most important things to remember is the cake for everyone to share. The following article explains how the tradition of birthday cakes started and also provides some ideas for great kids’ birthday cakes.

The first traces of birthday celebrations and festivities seem to differ between different cultures. Historians believe that tribesmen used to gather around fires to worship. The members of tribes would offer prayers to the flames which would drift to higher planes in the escaping smoke. Some see this as the explanation of the tradition of making a wish when we blow out the candles on our birthday cakes.

The first birthday cake, as we know them today, was thought to have been created at the turn of the eighteenth century by bakers in Germany. The cakes produced were much simpler than the ones we receive today. Bakers would prepare batches of dough which they would contain extra sugar. After baking the cakes were then coated with more sugar to make a simple yet tasty treat. Over the years people have developed this recipe to include icing, decorations and also candles. Nowadays almost anything can be replicated and made into a cake. Many businesses cater to this market exclusively, making bespoke cakes to order and dispatch through the post.

Traditions have varied over the years across different regions and nations. Similar to Christmas pudding and other commemorative dishes many people often like to include a surprise such as a coin or small piece of jewellery for one lucky diner. Many superstitious people also believe that if a birthday cake fails to rise whilst baking that it is a sign of bad luck in the forthcoming year.

The following are some failsafe favourites for cake fillings.

• Vanilla Sponge is an old favourite with a rich, creamy flavour. The sponge has a soft texture with a subtle taste which is good for accompanying a range of different ingredients and flavours. An old favourite is to include a layer of jam sandwiched in between two sponges.
• Chocolate Cake is increasingly becoming more popular for birthday cakes for children and adults alike. When choosing a chocolate cake you can find cakes as minimal or as luxurious as the birthday boy or girl will enjoy. Death by chocolate is a particularly decadent favourite that is available from many different bakeries and cake shops.
• Fruit Cake is used as a filling for many different cakes for different occasions. Using dried fruits, almonds and a generous splash of rum a classic and warming flavour can be enjoyed by all. Different recipes have different finishing touches but for that truly traditional flavour marzipan is recommended.